Content provided in partnership with

Being Blunt

Men's Fitness, Dec, 2005 by Brian O'Connor

Just four years ago, JAMES BLUNT was an officer in the British army, so when his single "You're Beautiful" shot past Coldplay on the UK charts last summer, he might have been the first singer/songwriter to literally hit No. 1 with a bullet. Now the 28-year-old Londoner's Back to Bedlam CD is earning him comparisons to Jeff Buckley and David Gray--and a legion of fans.

You were inspired to write "You're Beautiful" after you saw an ex-girlfriend with her new boyfriend. Most guys would respond to that by getting angry and drowning their emotions in alcohol. But you wrote a hit song?

Most Popular Articles in Health: Fuel your workout: exercisers who eat before they work out have more energy ...; Soothe a dry, itchy scalp: 5 easy expert solutions; Cocktails and calories: Beer, wine and liquor calories can really add up. ...; The sour truth about apple cider vinegar - evaluation of therapeutic use; The, six best supplements you've never heard of: these secret weapons can ...; More »

I guess I did the same thing at first. But, as a songwriter, when you're confronted with, these emotions, that's when you put pen to paper. When I made eye contact with her, we lived a lifetime in a second. I thought of how life would have been different if time and place were different. But as it was, we just walked past each other and I haven't seen her since.

You share management with Elton John. Does he ever give you musical suggestions?

No, no, obviously I do that to him. [Laughs] I'll say to him, "Nice try, but you can do better."

You served in the military. Did you know that James Blunt was a famous Civil War general?

I've been told that. In my family, we've been in one army or another since 955 A.D. We were always fighters.

We all know guys pick up the guitar to attract women, and we know a woman loves a man in uniform, You've done both. Do women prefer a man in uniform or with a guitar?

That's a difficult one. I think if you combine the guitar and the uniform you've got the real winning option there.

Being Blunt

Men's Fitness, Dec, 2005 by Brian O'Connor

Find Research Guides for:

Find Featured Titles for: Home & Garden

Most Popular Articles in Health

Most Popular Publications in Health